Ikimono Gakari

For the "official" page, please refer to いきものがかり いきものがかり (Ikimono-Gakari) is a three member Pop rock band. Founded by Mizuno Yoshiki and Yamashita Hotaka in Kanagawa, Japan, in February 1999, they began doing street performances and decided on their name of “Ikimono Gakari”. In December of the same year Yoshioka Kiyoe joined as the group’s main vocalist. One year later the three disbanded so Yoshiki and Hotaka could focus on university entrance exams, coming together again in March 2002 after the two had gone through their university classes. Four years after their formation, their first album was released on an indies label. They were signed to Epic Japan Records and released their first mainstream single SAKURA in March 2006. The title song was used in NTT East Japan commercials and heard on various televised programs. Their 2nd single, HANABI, was used as the 7th ending song for the Studio Pierrot anime release, Bleach. Their 10th single, Blue Bird, was used as the 3rd opening for Naruto Shippuden.